Q 2: Since saying Salam (Islamic greeting of peace) is the prescribed greeting of the believers amongst one another, is it permissible to use it to greet everyone with no exceptions?

A: It is the right of a Muslim toward other Muslims to greet them on meeting them, for it is authentically reported in the Hadith narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "The right of a Muslim on another is six things." It was said, "O Messenger of Allah! What are they?" He said, "If you meet them, greet them, if they call you, answer them, if they ask for your advice, give it to them, if they sneeze, supplicate Allah for them, if they fall sick, pay them a visit and if they die, follow their funeral." Also it is their duty to return the greeting of whomever initiates it, for Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: (Part No. 24; Page No. 112)  When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally. However, it is not permissible to initiate greetings with Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity and worship) and People of the Book, based on the Hadith that is authentically narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Do not initiate the Jews or Christians with greeting and when you meet anyone of them on the road, make them go to the narrowest part of it." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.